Student Discounts in the UK: Ways to Save Money
Being a student can be expensive. Between tuition costs, rent, travel, food, clothes and everyday essentials, even small savings can make a difference. The good news is that many UK retailers and services offer student discounts, giving you a simple way to spend less on things you already need.
From fashion and beauty to technology, food and travel, there are plenty of student discounts in the UK worth checking before you pay.
What Are Student Discounts?
Student discounts are special offers available to people who can prove they are currently studying. Depending on the retailer, you may receive a percentage off your purchase, a promotional code, free delivery or access to student-only offers.
Some discounts are available directly through a retailer, while others require verification through services such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans or TOTUM.
The exact offer, eligibility requirements and exclusions can change, so it is always worth checking the current terms before placing an order.
Where Can You Find Student Discounts in the UK?
There are several ways to find student offers without spending hours searching the internet.
A good starting point is the Daily Voucher Student Discounts section, where you can look for available offers from different retailers in one place.
You can also check student discount platforms such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM. These platforms work with a wide range of brands and can provide access to discounts after you verify your student status.
TOTUM currently advertises student offers across hundreds of brands, while Student Beans lists discounts from retailers covering fashion, food, technology, beauty and other categories.
Student Discounts on Fashion
Clothing can take up a sizeable part of a student’s budget, particularly at the start of a new term or university year.
Before buying clothes online, check whether the retailer has a student discount. ASOS, for example, currently offers a student discount in the UK, with eligibility verification required. ASOS also states that students can access its offer through services including UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
You can also find student offers from a range of fashion brands through student discount platforms. Student Beans currently lists student offers for brands including New Look, boohoo, Levi’s, Foot Locker, Urban Outfitters and many others.
For larger purchases, checking for a student offer before paying could make a noticeable difference to the final cost.
Boots Student Discount
Boots is another useful place for students to check.
Boots currently offers 10% student discount on almost everything for eligible students with a Boots Advantage Card, subject to exclusions. Students need to activate the discount using valid student identification, and Boots says the discount can be used online and in stores once activated.
The discount covers many everyday products, including beauty, toiletries and health and wellness products. However, exclusions apply, so check the retailer’s terms before assuming that every product qualifies.
Student Discounts on Technology
Laptops, headphones, accessories and other technology can be expensive purchases when you’re studying.
Before buying new tech, check whether the retailer offers a student price or student promotion. Some technology brands run dedicated student schemes, while others provide offers through student discount platforms.
It is also worth comparing the student price with any existing sale price. A student discount is not automatically the cheapest option if another promotion is running at the same time.
Food and Everyday Essentials
Small purchases can quickly add up during university life.
Look for student offers at restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and food delivery services. Some offers are available throughout the year, while others are limited to certain days, locations or times.
You can also check whether your student discount can be used alongside loyalty schemes or other available rewards. Always check the terms first, as some retailers do not allow multiple promotions to be combined.
Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM
Three names you’ll come across regularly when looking for UK student discounts are UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM.
UNiDAYS provides student offers from participating brands after student verification.
Student Beans lists student discounts across thousands of stores and categories, including fashion, food, technology and beauty.
TOTUM offers student discounts through its membership service and currently advertises offers from hundreds of brands.
You don’t necessarily need to use just one service. Depending on the retailer, the available offer can differ, so it can be useful to check more than one before making a purchase.
How Do Student Discount Codes Work?
Some retailers automatically apply a student discount after you have verified your student status. Others provide a unique code that you enter during checkout.
For example, ASOS says eligible students can receive a student code after completing its verification process. The code is linked to the student’s account.
If you are using a student discount code, check:
- Whether the code is still valid
- Whether your student status has been verified
- Which products are included
- Whether there is a minimum or maximum spend
- Whether the code can be used with another promotion
- Whether delivery charges are excluded
These details can vary significantly between retailers.
Check for Student Offers Before You Buy
One of the easiest ways to save is simply to make checking for a discount part of your normal shopping routine.
Before completing an online order, search for the retailer on Daily Voucher UK, then check the retailer’s own website and relevant student discount platforms.
Don’t wait until you’ve reached the payment screen to start looking. Some student discounts require verification first, and certain codes may only be available through a specific platform.
Don’t Assume Every Student Discount Is the Same
A common mistake is assuming that a student discount applies to everything a retailer sells.
Many offers have exclusions. For example, Boots lists a number of products and services that are excluded from its student discount.
ASOS also has restrictions on some student promotions, including selected products and certain other charges or offers.
Always read the current terms if you’re making a large purchase. A discount that looks useful at first may not apply to the item in your basket.
Ways to Get More From Student Discounts
You don’t need to spend more just because you have a discount.
Instead, use student offers for purchases you were already planning to make.
A few simple habits can help:
- Check for a student discount before every larger purchase.
- Compare the student price with current sale prices.
- Check several student discount platforms.
- Look for free delivery offers before paying for postage.
- Check whether loyalty points or cashback are available.
- Read exclusions before adding items to your basket.
- Keep your student verification details up to date.
- Check whether a discount has an expiry date.
For example, if a retailer is already running a sale, compare the sale price with the student offer rather than assuming the student discount will give you the lowest price.
Keep an Eye on New Student Offers
Student promotions change throughout the academic year. A retailer that does not have a useful offer today may introduce one later.
This is particularly common around periods when students are shopping more, such as the start of the academic year, Black Friday, Christmas and seasonal sales.
Adding useful retailers to your regular discount-checking routine can help you spot new offers without constantly searching from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Student discounts can help reduce the cost of everyday shopping, especially when you’re buying clothes, beauty products, technology, food or other essentials.
The key is to check before you buy rather than assuming a retailer does not offer anything for students. Services such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM can help you find available offers, while retailer websites can provide the latest terms and eligibility information.
For a wider selection of student discounts UK shoppers can use, check the latest offers on Daily Voucher UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a student discount in the UK?
Most retailers require you to verify that you are currently studying. Depending on the retailer, verification may be completed through your university or college ID, UNiDAYS, Student Beans, TOTUM or another verification service.
Which websites offer student discounts?
Student discounts are available directly from many retailer websites as well as platforms such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM. Daily Voucher can also help you find discount offers from different retailers in one place.
Can I use a student discount with another voucher code?
It depends on the retailer. Some student offers cannot be combined with other promotional codes, while others may allow certain offers to be used together. Always check the terms before applying a code.
Do student discounts expire?
Some student discounts run for a specific period, while others are renewed based on your student status. Check the current terms of the retailer or discount provider before shopping.
Can part-time students get student discounts?
Some retailers accept part-time students, but eligibility varies. ASOS, for example, states that its student offer is available to eligible students in both full-time and part-time education.
